“A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something.” Plato.
As the President of Lagos Arewa Youth Organization (LAYO), I have been opportuned to give speeches that gave me butterflies in the stomach, It’s alright to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation, and the only question that comes to my mind after such speeches is – How did I manage to get these butterflies to fly in such formation to deliver such a masterpiece?
Farooq Gajo delivering a speech at Culturati Symposium 2023
As I strive to answer this question, I accredit my penchant for reading books voraciously, and I have studied many great speeches and speakers e.g. Barrack Obama, Malcolm X, Tafawa Balewa, Muhammed Qahtani, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and boy! it’s an adventure.
Farooq Gajo Public Speaking Certificate
My major introduction to Public Speaking and the power it has on the audience was in the year 2017, We have just graduated from Fidelity Bank’s CREST Academy after an arduous 2-months of induction into the banking profession, as part of a CSR initiative we were to visit an Orphanage and halfway into the programme, HR Mosopeoluwa Obikoya said I am to give a speech, as the President of my induction class (ACERS), I simply shrugged and said okay, because I’ve never felt the need to prepare before speaking anywhere, I just flow with what comes, and that’s simply what I did. I went on to give a speech that gave me butterflies in the stomach (and the room went still and silent as though I was the only one there).
Farooq Gajo delivering a speech at the United Nation World Tourism Organization
What struck a chord with me the most were the feedback I got from my colleagues, A very intelligent colleague Florence Ogbonna (nee Florence Obiaku) told me to consider a career in Public Speaking, Sebastian Omeje asked me if I knew I was going to give the speech beforehand and had prepared, I said No. and He went on to tell me that I flowed as if I was born to make that speech, ‘Sope told me that I have become a celebrity. Ever since then, I awoken to the latent potential in my Public Speaking abilities and made conscious efforts to improve my skills.
Farooq Gajo Public Speaking Certificate
Public speaking is a valuable skill that can boost your confidence and help you effectively communicate your ideas to a larger audience.
Even though I am not where I want to be as a Public Speaker yet, as I continue to learn and improve my Public speaking skills, I thought to share the twelve (12) key tips (in order of priority) that I have learnt, and think will be beneficial to you (my reader):
1. Know Your Audience: Understand who you are talking to and tailor your message accordingly
2. Prepare and Practice: Take the time to prepare your speech or presentation thoroughly. Outline your main points, and rehearse your delivery to build confidence.
3. Speak Only when you have something to say: Like Plato said “A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something.”, “No one ever complains about a speech being too short!” Ira Hayes and Hausa people will say; Da Muguwar rawa ‘kwanda ‘kin tashi. “Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.” D. H. Lawrence.
Farooq Gajo Public Speaking Certificate
4. Start Strong: Grab your audience’s attention right from the beginning. Begin with a compelling story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question to create a strong opening that sets the tone for your speech. For starting strong pay emphasis to the tone and pitch of your voice this is very essential.
5. Tell Stories: Stories are powerful tools for capturing and retaining the attention of your audience. Incorporate relevant anecdotes, personal experiences, or case studies to illustrate your points and make your speech more relatable. “Speakers who talk about what life has taught them never fail to keep the attention of their listeners.” Dale Carnegie.
Farooq Gajo delivering a speech at Culturati Symposium 2023
6. Connect with Your Audience: Tailor your speech to resonate with your audience. Understand their needs, interests, and expectations to deliver a message that captivates and engages them. Usually I know this has been achieved when the room goes completely silent and all attention is on me (like the famous Hausa saying – Kamar ruwa ya shanye su, meaning as if flood has consumed everyone). “The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives.” Lilly Walters.
7. Engage with Body Language: Pay attention to your body language. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use hand gestures to convey confidence and connect with your audience.
Farooq Gajo engaging the audience during a speech
8. Speak Clearly and Moderately: Articulate your words clearly and speak at a moderate pace. This helps ensure that your audience can follow along and understand your message without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
9. Handle Nervousness: It’s normal to feel nervous before speaking in public. Practice deep breathing exercises, visualize success, and focus on the value you’re providing to your audience to help calm your nerves, It helps to give more attention to those part of the audience that you can read from their faces are immersed in what you are conveying and they are keenly tagging along.
10. Interact with the Audience: Encourage audience participation through questions, polls, or interactive activities. This creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, fostering a connection between you and your listeners.
Farooq Gajo delivering a speech
11. Use Visual Aids: Visual aids such as slides or props can enhance your presentation and make complex ideas easier to understand. Keep them simple, visually appealing, and relevant to your message.
12. Speak Only when you have something to say: Like Plato “A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something.” Plato.
13. End Strong: Leave a lasting impression by ending your speech with a powerful closing statement. Summarize your main points, offer a call to action, or leave your audience with a thought-provoking question to ponder. “Begin with the end in mind.” Dr Stephen R. Covey.
Farooq Gajo delivering a speech
Remember, public speaking is a skill that improves with practice. Embrace opportunities to speak in front of others, seek feedback, and continue refining your skills. With time and dedication, you’ll become a confident and impactful public speaker.
Resources
If you are interested in learning more… Google and books are a very useful resources I will recommend.
Good luck! 🎤
Have an amazing week ahead…
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